Live Reporting

Get involved

Post update

So Nathan Lyon thinks Australia are still in it? If they chase down 412, then they would more than deserve a 1-0 lead in this series.

Their pursuit starts tomorrow morning. Join us then.

Posted at 17:51 10 Jul 201517:51 10 Jul 2015

comments

Join the debate at #bbccricket

James Pope: The fun and enjoyment is back in being an England cricket fan.

18:49

Post update

More from Lyon, who is the first Australia off-spinner to take 150 Test wickets: "We're definitely still in it. If we bat two days the result will go our way. There's no reason why we can't dig deep.

"We've got to learn from our first innings with the bat - be more patient. There were too many 30s in the first innings, so we need to try and push on a bit more and a couple of our top five to get big hundreds."

Posted at 17:48 10 Jul 201517:48 10 Jul 2015

comments

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Tattz: Not very clever that from England. I'd have taken 30 runs less and only 5-6 wickets down. Aussies will feel they are in this.

Post update

"I think England will just try and stifle the batsmen again with the men on the drive. Australia came out as if they were playing on a fast bouncy pitch where the blew England away last time. I have liked Clarke's captaincy but he didn't get this right. Since tea on the first day Australia have been playing catch-up cricket and in Test cricket that is damn hard. There will be one or two false shots and England will strangle them slowly and surely."

18:47

Post update

Australia spinner Nathan Lyon, who took 4-75, on Sky Sports: "We learnt from bowling in the first innings. To take 10 wickets in just over two and a half sessions is a pretty good effort.

"Credit to our bowlers - we dug deep and held on to a few good catches."

18:46

Post update

More from England's Ian Bell: "It's been a great day for us. The bowlers set the tempo this morning. The lengths we hit were brilliant and we were aggressive. Everything in the field has been positive.

"It was all about being positive with the bat. But there are no gimmes and we expect more tomorrow. We are going to have to work hard to win."

Posted at 17:46 10 Jul 201517:46 10 Jul 2015

Post update

"Have Australia got the mindset to bat for long periods? England are going to stifle them by bowling straight because they know what to do on this surface. I don't think Moeen has to try too much, just bowl nicely. The seamers will do a lot of the work from the other end."

18:45

Post update

Enter Mark Wood for a batting cameo. 32 from 18 balls, before Moeen Ali and James Anderson fell in the final two overs to end the day. In all, we've seen 15 wickets and 333 runs. Only one act left in this four-part drama. Australia need 412 to win.

Posted at 17:43 10 Jul 201517:43 10 Jul 2015

Post update

"Root's in the form of his life, players in good nick score off everything, and Bell who has been under pressure, played as beautifully as ever. The scoreboard was rushing around and even when Bell get out Stokes came in. You've got to like him, he's just like an old fashioned player, he blocks it if it is straight but if its slightly off line he gives it an old fashioned clonk, it's lovely and refreshing and I hope nobody changes him."

18:43

Post update

When they went, bowled by Mitchell Johnson and Josh Hazlewood respectively, the game went into fast forward. Ben Stokes sparkled for 42, but England got a touch careless, maybe even reckless. Four wickets for 38 runs, in danger of failing to set the Aussies a target in excess of 400.

18:42

Post update

England batsman Ian Bell, who made 60 after managing only 56 runs in nine innings before this Test, on Sky Sports: "It's been a while so it's nice to get a few. It's nice to contribute.

"When I'm playing at my best I play it late. At the start of the year I was all over the place and going at the ball a bit hard.

"I've had to work very hard but today it felt just how I wanted it to be."

18:41

Post update

Even with the best part of three days left in the game, England weren't looking to hang around in their second dig and found themselves three down in no time (how often do we say that?). However, Ian Bell, in need of runs, finally found some form, in the company of the Midas-like Joe Root. 60 apiece, England stretching their lead.

Post update

"Three fantastic Test match days. Many of us were worried we were going to have a tedious draw but there has been a bit of poor batting, the odd ball kept low and England are well on top.

"Australia's best is 404 on Bradman's last tour - 412 they need here and there is no way they are going to get it, not a cat in hell's chance. Their batting is OK but not special."

18:38

Close-of-play scorecard

BBCCopyright: BBC

18:37

Post update

England's excellent bowling of this morning seems like a long time ago, doesn't it? Stuart Broad got the ball rolling by pinning Shane Watson leg before, Mark Wood did the same to Nathan Lyon. After that, James Anderson got to work with the second new ball. Australia 308 all out - 122 behind.

18:34

Highest chases in Test history

If Australia win this game they will go third on this illustrious list...

Post update

Glenn McGrath is right, it really has been an extraordinary day. Remember, Australia resumed on 264-5. Yes, England might have lost their way a touch at the end, but they have dominated in a way that few could have imagined. Another good display with the ball and they are likely to go 1-0 up in this Ashes series.

Post update

"It's been an extraordinary day, 15 wickets have fallen so no shortage of entertainment. Looking forward to the next day or so, this match has really started the series off with a flurry."

18:29

wicket

WICKET

Anderson b Lyon 1 (Eng 289 all out)

That's it. James Anderson is bowled slogging Nathan Lyon, signalling the end of England's innings and the end of the day. England are 289 all out and, when we return tomorrow, Australia will need 412 to win.

18:28

Eng 289-9 (Johnson 16-2-69-2)

James Anderson is the last man, sent out in the gloom to face Mitchell Johnson. If England lose their last wicket now, that will be the close. Anderson gets under way with a single to fine leg, drawing a huge cheer from the well-oiled Cardiff crowd. Mark Wood digs out a fast yorker, ending up on one knee, leaving Anderson to face the last over of the day.

18:23

wicket

WICKET

Moeen c Haddin b Johnson 15 (Eng 288-9)

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Moeen Ali can't hang around to support Mark Wood. Wide ball from Mitchell Johnson, a loose drive, the thinnest of edges through to Brad Haddin. For some reason, we wait to see if it was a no-ball, even thought Johnson was nowhere near the front line. If that had gone against Johnson, he would probably have exploded. One wicket between Australia and their chase.

Posted at 17:22 10 Jul 201517:22 10 Jul 2015

Post update

18:21

Post update

Eng 287-8

Moeen's not worried because he knows he's hit it. On we go. Under 10 minutes until the close.

18:20

umpire-review

Umpire review

Eng 287-8

This looks close, you know. Nathan Lyon to Moeen Ali. Moeen doesn't look worried. Then again, he never does.

Post update

"Moeen Ali should be pushing singles to get Wood on strike! Once Broad went the Australians will have been hoping to soon be in the dressing room with their feet up."

18:19

Eng 287-8 (lead by 409)

The Cardiff crowd are baying, cheering Johnson to the crease like a goalkeeper taking a goal-kick. Moeen takes a single to pinch the strike, that's poor. We wanted more of Mark Wood. Johnson is ticking, giving Moeen a word. Michael Clarke has been spotted with his head in his hands. Chin up, Pup.

Posted at 17:18 10 Jul 201517:18 10 Jul 2015

comments

Tenuous links to cricketers

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Alan Willis: I carried Sir Geoffrey Boycott's bag into the changing rooms at Canterbury. No tip, not a word of thx.

Sara Meiklejohn: I sold Glenn McGrath some glasses and lamp shades in a furniture shop about 20 years ago.

Jim: Knocked Nasser Hussain's coffee over with an ambitious shy at the stumps during the break at Richard Prichard's testimonial.

18:16

Eng 286-8 (lead by 408)

And again! Pulled for three. Mark Wood is 32 not out. Whatever you are doing, stop. Ride your imaginary horse in a salute to England's number 10. The crowd are loving this.

18:16

Eng 283-8 (lead by 405)

Now Wood is giving Mitchell Johnson the treatment with a pull for four. Get him up the order.

Posted at 17:29 10 Jul 201517:29 10 Jul 2015

Post update

Eng 278-8 (Wood 25 from 14 balls)

Alastair Cook leans over the England balcony, wearing his whites like a man who thinks he might be in the field tonight. If England bat past 18:20, there will be no time for the Aussies to get out there. What about a declaration now, give them a couple of sticky overs? Mark Wood! Fetch that! It's huge, massive. A dance to hit Lyon straight as you like, over the cameramen, past the tress and towards the river. It's out of the ground, but immediately thrown back. Did it nearly hit a jogger? Now the reverse sweep for four! England's lead is past 400. Cardiff is alive.

Post update

"I don't think anyone saw this coming, not even the England players. On top for all three days - they should buy the groundsman a bottle of champagne."

18:10

Eng 266-8 (lead by 388)

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

With Mark Wood looking like he could play with his bat turned upside down, Australia summon Mitchell Johnson to put the wind up him. The slight issue with that plan is that Moeen faces the entire over, pushing it back in comfort.

Posted at 17:07 10 Jul 201517:07 10 Jul 2015

Post update

Eng 266-8 (Moeen 12, Wood 14)

Despite most of the day being played in glorious sunshine, the clouds have now rolled in to such an extent that the floodlights have been turned on. Crowd still reasonably quiet, bar the odd strain of a song. Mark Wood's at it again! Big cover drive, Shane Watson chugging after it so slowly they actually run four. That's woken the crowd up.

Posted at 17:04 10 Jul 201517:04 10 Jul 2015

comments

Tenuous links to cricketers

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Ed Thorpe: I once stood behind Ben Hollioake in a McDonalds cue...

Harry Carr: My old philosophy tutor was married to Sachin Tendulkar's cousin.

Eng 261-8 (lead by 383)

Sorry, Jimmy, but the Lara nickname you've worn proudly for so long must now be given to Mark Wood. The Durham man, facing Mitchell Starc's 90mph bombs, gets on to his toes and plays a one-legged pull shot in front of square for four. What else does he have in his locker? There's a lot to like about Wood's cricket. Whole-hearted bowling, dogged batting. Under half an hour left in the day.

17:59

Vote results

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

We asked how many runs England need before they declare - and 42.9% of you reckoned 450.

Some 37% thought 400 would be enough, while 11.2% said England needed to be 500 in front.

This mini collapse may render any talk of declarations irrelevant anyway...

17:58

Eng 253-8 (63 overs)

Still Lyon, who has bowled well this evening. Wood, not looking like a man who will throw his wicket away, takes one, then Moeen gets on the slog sweep for a boundary. England may well already have enough, but I suspect most fans would like to see the 400 lead - a psychological milestone.

Posted at 16:56 10 Jul 201516:56 10 Jul 2015

Post update

"I don't think its a terror pitch but it demands a certain way of playing. I was very worried it was going to be a tedious draw because batsmen were going to get in. Most of modern cricket is very good quality, there are a lot of results these days. In the sixties when I started there were a lot of draws which wasn't good for cricket. Young kids grow up now, Root is a perfect example, being more positive in T20 and one-day cricket. People have got used to expecting wins."

17:55

Eng 246-8 (lead by 368)

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

In all the talk of careless batting, Mark Wood has shown himself capable of hanging around in his short Test career. He gets stuck in against Starc, who is still touching 90mph. Moeen would do well to trust Wood, and not play the type of airy off-stump swish that almost sends him back.

Posted at 16:53 10 Jul 201516:53 10 Jul 2015

comments

Tenuous links to cricketers

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Niall Smith: On the way to a cricket match in my car, I indicated to let Mark Butcher pull out in front of me.

Joe Robinson: I once flagged Mark Ramprakash offside when he was playing football for Corinthian Casuals against my old school.

Thomas Lynch: The tattooist who tattooed my leg has also tattooed Tim Bresnan.

17:52

Eng 245-8 (Lyon 16-4-50-3)

I haven't given Hazlewood enough credit there. It was a brilliant catch, taken inches above the turf in baseball-mitt hands. Mark Wood the new man, charged with hanging around to accompany Moeen Ali. There's a nagging feeling that England are messing this up, ever so slightly. Then again, they might already have enough.

Posted at 16:50 10 Jul 201516:50 10 Jul 2015

Post update

"Hazlewood ran in, a big fella, kept his eyes on the ball, diving forward and caught it inches from the deck. He had a lot to do to catch it. Anyone will tell you diving forward is tough because it can hit you in the teeth."

17:48

wicket

WICKET

Broad c Hazlewood b Lyon 4 (Eng 245-8)

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

England are getting careless, batting as if they already have enough. This time it's Stuart Broad, swiping Nathan Lyon straight. Josh Hazlewood comes in from long-off and takes a very, very good catch, diving forwards. That chink of light that Australia have is getting brighter. England will kick themselves all the way to Lord's if they lose this by two wickets.

Posted at 16:47 10 Jul 201516:47 10 Jul 2015

comments

Tenuous links to cricketers

Email tms@bbc.co.uk

Martin Palmer: I played pool until 4:00 in the morning with Athers, Freddie & Fairbrother in a hotel in Derby. My wife came down to the bar (in her nightie) wondering where I was. She got a lot of stick from the boys.

17:45

Eng 244-7 (Starc 14-4-51-2)

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

England have lost their last three wickets for 33 runs, their last two for four runs. Stuart Broad is the new man, the field set for some chin music. Broad sitting on the back foot, so Starc goes very full. Broad just about keeps it out. Could the Aussies even be batting again tonight?

Post update

"I don't think this is such a bad thing from England's point of view - and maybe, from a psychological viewpoint, from Australia's, who will think 'at least we bowled them out twice'."

17:41

wicket

WICKET

Stokes b Starc 42 (Eng 240-7)

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Through a touch of recklessness, England might be allowing Australia the slightest chink of light. Now it's Ben Stokes on the way back, aiming a drive at Mitchell Starc but only inside-edging on to his own stumps. I'm all for the aggression, but England's over-aggression has given Australia a very minor chance. Some discretion could have batted them out of the game.

17:41

How's stat?!

BBCCopyright: BBC

17:38

drop-catch

Dropped catch

Eng 236-6

All happening. Moeen Ali is dropped from the second ball he faces. Turn for Lyon, Moeen driving, the ball hitting Brad Haddin's gloves and flying through the hands of Michael Clarke at slip. Looking again at the Buttler dismissal, the ball definitely hit his glove - he was actually some distance away from hitting it with the bat. This game is bumping along quickly.

Post update

"That wasn't a good shot selection from Buttler, there is such a short boundary and men up."

17:36

wicket

WICKET

Buttler c Haddin b Lyon 7 (Eng 236-6)

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Hmmmm... this doesn't look great. Jos Buttler is out reverse-sweeping Nathan Lyon, the ball hitting his glove and looping up for a simple catch to Brad Haddin. I've got no problem with England getting on with it, but Buttler is a man of such power. Maybe look to belt straight? Buttler may, and I stress may, have walked there too. Sporting.

Posted at 16:38 10 Jul 201516:38 10 Jul 2015

comments

Tenuous links to cricketers

Email tms@bbc.co.uk

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Jerry, Kathmandu: My friend had a date pinched by Chris Gayle. He and his date got into the lift up to the restaurant, Chris Gayle walked in after and by the time the lift had got to the restaurant's floor the girl had decided to go with Chris Gayle instead.

David Bedding: My mum and dad had a bathroom shop in Billericay, Graham Gooch once came in to buy a bathroom and sat on the loos in the showroom to try them for size! His Merc was parked outside with licence plate LBW 333.

17:33

comments

Get Involved

#bbccricket

17:34

Eng 236-5

Nice, Ben Stokes. He guides a short ball from Mitchell Starc to the third man boundary - after adjusting from his original plan to pull the ball.

17:32

T20 Blast

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Brendon McCullum, Adil Rashid and James Faulkner are all in T20 Blast action tonight. Make sure you follow all of the action with our dedicated live text and radio commentaries.

17:30

Eng 227-5 (Stokes 38 from 54 balls)

Thwack! Ben Stokes, he of the idiosyncratic bat sweep at the end of each over, does some more conventional sweeping, belting Lyon in front of square for four. And again! Four more. Stokes is ticking now. We could have one helluva last hour.

Eng 222-5 (lead by 344)

Interesting move. Josh Hazlewood, who has bowled well, out of the attack. Mitchell Starc, wincing the night away, back in. Oh, that's nice from Stokes, straight down the ground, just to the leg side of the non-striker's stumps. Australia keep turning to Starc, despite that obvious injury. Haven't seen Mitchell Johnson for a while.

Post update

"The little things haven't gone Australia's way in this game, but you earn the right for them to go your way - and over the three days England have been the better side."

17:22

Eng 217-5

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

To explain, Stokes played a reverse sweep off Nathan Lyon, with Michael Clarke moving well from slip to take the catch. It looked immediately like a bump-ball, but Haddin is leaping around. To humour the Aussie keeper, the umpires send it upstairs, but Stokes has clearly hit it into the ground.

17:22

umpire-review

Third umpire

Eng 217-5

Brad Haddin's excited, but no one else is. Ben Stokes caught at slip? We need another look.

Post update

"A great day for England, more than they would have hoped for at the start of play. It's as good an Ashes day as we've seen from England for a long while."

17:18

drinks-break

Drinks break

Eng 216-5

There's quite a bit to like about Josh Hazlewood. Tall, athletic, good action, will run in all day. Would actually say he's quite an English-style fast bowler. He takes us to a drinks break, when at least four different subs run on wearing orange bibs. How many people does it take to carry the drinks?

Posted at 16:16 10 Jul 201516:16 10 Jul 2015

comments

Email tms@bbc.co.uk

Tenuous links to cricketers

Ian Dawson: My mate's ex-girlfriend broke up with him to go out with Jade Dernbach.

Greg: My work colleague is married to Alastair Cook's brother, Adrian.

Nick Morris: I was once offered a fag by Tuffers, during an evening at my college bar.

17:15

Eng 213-5 (Stokes 26, Buttler 0)

There's some mind games going on out there. Ben Stokes has a habit, a superstition, of sweeping his bat in a circle at the end of each over. Imagine him putting it on the ground and drawing an arc inside the crease. Twice now Nathan Lyon and David Warner have stood in the way, preventing him from doing it. Lyon has his shoe off, Warner is there having a chat. Stokes waits, then does it anyway. Might have guessed it from Warner. He probably classes that as subtlety.

Posted at 16:13 10 Jul 201516:13 10 Jul 2015

comments

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Tenuous links to cricketers

PACopyright: PA

Dave Johnson: My Grandad bought a car off Andy Caddick's mum.

17:12

Eng 211-5 (lead by 334)

Nathan Lyon has switched ends, now twirling his offies with the River Taff at his back. Ben Stokes, losing his mate Joe Root, isn't going into his shell, reverse-sweeping for four. England likely to be 400 ahead tonight.

Posted at 16:11 10 Jul 201516:11 10 Jul 2015

How's stat?!

BBCCopyright: BBC

17:09

Eng 207-5 (Hazlewood 12-1-46-2)

Yep, looking again, that delivery has done plenty off the seam. Hazlewood got it to nip back in to Root, who was actually bowled off his pads. Hazlewood has had a decent game, probably the most consistent of the Aussie seamers. Having said that, he isn't asking new man Jos Buttler to play.

Posted at 16:21 10 Jul 201516:21 10 Jul 2015

Post update

"Hazlewood gets one to nip back and from nowhere Joe Root has gone. He was batting with such comfort and ease - it was just a lapse in concentration. What a start to the series Root has had - 134 in the first innings, now 60 in the second. He's a real class act."

17:05

wicket

WICKET

Root b Hazlewood 60 (Eng 207-5)

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Gone! When Australia finally bowl at the stumps, the get their rewards. Josh Hazlewood does the damage with the first ball of a new spell. Just back of a length, keeping low, Joe Root stuck on the back foot and losing his furniture. However, England might not mind the sight of that uneven bounce. Even now, Australia's chase looks tough on a pitch that is misbehaving.

Post update

"I'm sure there will be plenty of questions asked of Australia if this game goes the way it looks likes it will go."

17:03

Eng 207-4 (Watson 5-0-23-0)

The problem with Watson's plan of bowling outside Stokes' off stump is that, if he gets it slightly wrong, someone has to chase leather. Short and wide, cut for four. When Watson re-adjusts, full and straight, Stokes clips through mid-wicket for another boundary. It's the perfect example of how Australia have struggled with the ball in this match - too many four-balls. England, in contrast, were exemplary. Didn't anyone really expect England to out-bowl the Aussies?

Post update

"Roger Federer is a huge cricket fan. He doesn't just love it - he's got an intimate knowledge of it. He knows his short leg from silly point, let's put it that way."

You can watch the Fed in action against Andy Murray in the Wimbledon semi-final by clicking here.

17:00

Eng 199-4 (Root 60, Stokes 13)

Still dark in Cardiff. Can someone ask that cloud to move away from the sun, please? Lyon, skippy, spinny. Turn back in to the front pad of Joe Root. England already leading by 300 and plenty - how many do they want? Bat until lunch tomorrow? Past that? There's talk of rain on Sunday.

Posted at 15:58 10 Jul 201515:58 10 Jul 2015

comments

Email tms@bbc.co.uk

Tenuous links to cricketers

Alex Bennett: I used to work with a lady who's brother-in-law was Graham Thorpe. Her sister was married to him.

Tim Warren: My wife, Jenny, is a descendant of John Wisden's brother (he had no known children of his own).

16:57

Eng 197-4 (lead by 319)

Ben Stokes is chuckling to himself, but I've got no idea why. There's no one near him, no one has said anything. Is he the sort of bloke that can just make himself laugh? In the crowd, there's five England dressed as Moeen, beards and all. They must be warm, though the sun has disappeared and the breeze is getting up. Still Watson, looking to hang the ball out there, Stokes cutting for four.

16:54

A monumental debut

AFPCopyright: AFP

Kagiso Rabada - a 20-year-old South African fast bowler - has enjoyed an amazing debut for the Proteas, taking a hat-trick as part of a six-wicket haul against Bangladesh in a one-day international in Mirpur.

He got rid of three of the top four then returned to mop up the tail as the hosts were skittled for 160 inside 37 overs. South Africa are currently 45-1.

Eng 193-4 (lead by 315)

Lyon, shaven-headed, skips in. There's turn, but slow turn. Not spitting or kicking. Root rolls the ball down town for a single, before Stokes gets cute with a reverse sweep. Not bat on it. England have come through that Starc barrage and the game has entered a more sedate passage. Bit of a battle of wills.

Posted at 15:50 10 Jul 201515:50 10 Jul 2015

Post update

Eng 191-4 (26 overs remain)

Shane Watson into the attack, as pleased to be bowling as a man waiting for major dental surgery. Australia's plan will be for Watson to bowl dry, hang his medium-pacers outside the off stump and wait for a mistake. Australia pack the off side, meaning that a powerful Stokes drive can't get through. England in no rush, mind.

Posted at 15:53 10 Jul 201515:53 10 Jul 2015

How's stat?!

"Root has got to 50 in both innings three times in his last six Tests."

16:47

Eng 190-4 (Root 57, Stokes 7)

Spin, Nathan Lyon round the wicket to right-hander Root. A slip and a short leg, gaps a plenty to be milked. Conversation in the live text centres around our colleague, Jamie Lillywhite. His great-grandfather was the first ever captain of England, James Lillywhite. I love to heat tenuous relations to cricketers. Not 'I'm Alastair Cook's brother', but, 'my girlfriend's cousin once went out with Jonny Bairstow'.

Post update

"Root is worth his weight in gold. He has found his niche at number five and I think he'll be there for a long time to come."

16:42

Eng 187-4 (lead by 309)

Starc still bowling thunderbolts, heat-seeking yorkers homing in on the toes of Ben Stokes. The sun just dips behind a cloud as Stokes defends, trying to weather the storm. If he gets through this, then bats to the close, England could be out of sight. At the moment, Joe Root is averaging more than 57, the highest of any England batsman since 1968.

Posted at 15:38 10 Jul 201515:38 10 Jul 2015

Post update

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

16:37

sport-50

50 for Joe Root

"Na, na, na, na, nah, nah, nah naah. Nah, nah, nah naaaaah, Joe Roooooot." That's the song of Cardiff, ringing around the capital when Root goes to a 67-ball half-century, his second 50+ score in the match. During his first-innings ton, Michael Vaughan said we are witnessing the making of a legend. Agree? Looking again at the Ben Stokes non-lbw, the Aussies might have thought he got an inside edge. They were fooled by the fact it hit both pads. Incidentally, Steve Smith appealed from cover, but no one paid any attention.

16:36

Vote - When should England declare?

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

How much of a lead do England need in this Test? 300, 350, 400, 450 or 500?

Vote using the tab above if you're on a mobile, or by clicking on the options on the right-hand side of this page if you're on a good old Amstrad.

Eng 177-4

Ooohhh, Ben Stokes, that is a handsome straight drive. The George Clooney of cricket strokes (feel free to insert name of other handsome man, his was the first that came to mind). Even on one leg, Starc is still cranking the speedo past 90mph, hitting Stokes on the pads. No appeal. Australia should have done, though. The replays show that would have cannoned into leg stump. Stokes gets away with one. Later in the same over, the Aussies finally appeal, but that looks to be going down. Starc is bowling at almost 94mph!

16:30

Quiz time

A Question of Sport Teaser

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Earlier we asked which four players made their Test debuts in the 2013 Ashes series in England?

Eng 173-4 (Root 46, Stokes 1)

Australia have a leg-side sweeper, despite Stokes having only just come to the crease. Johnson, the sort of bouncy hair you see in a shampoo advert, hits the England all-rounder on the back leg, then is taken through the leg side for a single. The Barmies alternate between Bread of Heaven and Delilah. It's like Now That's What I Call Welsh Favourites.

Posted at 15:25 10 Jul 201515:25 10 Jul 2015

comments

Email tms@bbc.co.uk

Andy Weller: (Re 16:17 Gary Jones) Whose side are you on, mate!? Curse of the Live Text Watcher strikes again....

16:24

Eng 170-4

Stokes watches as Starc continues his hobble towards Joe Root, the ball still showing signs of keeping low every now and again. England fans have been momentarily hushed by that wicket, while the Aussies are oohing and aahing as Starc goes past the outside edge. The pitch doing a bit will please England, some 292 to the good.

Posted at 15:23 10 Jul 201515:23 10 Jul 2015

comments

Email tms@bbc.co.uk

Andy in Birmingham: No need to rush the declaration, still two days left. Bat through tonight and tomorrow morning unleash Root, Buttler, Stokes and Ali in ODI mode and declare/get out by lunch but with a massive lead. Job done.

16:21

Eng 170-4 (Johnson 11-1-49-1)

It was nothing more than a straight, length ball. Bell, for whatever reason, played down Bakerloo, the wrong line. Ben Stokes the new man. He could take this game from Australia very quickly. That stand between Bell and Root was 97 in 20.2 overs.

Posted at 15:28 10 Jul 201515:28 10 Jul 2015

Post update

"That wicket takes Johnson to 292 Test wickets, one in front of Craig McDermott. That was a strange shot by Bell. I think because he smoked that one over extra cover he was expecting a short one and he gave himself a bit of room and played all around it. Australia needed something to hang in there. A little bit of rain around they say on day five. Have Australia ever been saved by the rain? The way England are playing they could have a full day at Australia tomorrow."

16:17

wicket

WICKET

Bell b Johnson 57 (Eng 171-4)

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Bowled him! Where did that come from? One delivery after slapping Mitchell Johnson over cover as if he was some sort of 3rd XI trundler, Ian Bell is bowled neck and crop. Johnson back over the wicket, Bell hanging back like a man expecting the short ball, furniture rearranged. Finally, Johnson has a wicket in this match.

Posted at 15:16 10 Jul 201515:16 10 Jul 2015

comments

Email tms@bbc.co.uk

From Gary Jones: Ok, I am going to say it first, we could get a whitewash this series. We are young and virile and on the up. The Aussies are not young and on the turn. I may have had two pints of lager in the sun but I do believe this (I think).

16:14

Eng 161-3 (lead by 283)

Cloudless blue in Cardiff. Sgt Pepper, dressed in pink, carries a few lagers back to his seat as Root drives Starc through the covers for a couple. Ever seen the film Inglourious Basterds? Starc has the look of Brad Pitt in that. Ball not doing much. A lot of hard yakka for the Aussies tonight, me thinks.

Posted at 15:11 10 Jul 201515:11 10 Jul 2015

comments

Email tms@bbc.co.uk

Phil in Rugby: So with England 271 ahead at tea & 37 overs left to bowl, if they continue at 4 rpo that's a lead of 419 by the close…declare overnight which gives all day Saturday and whatever play we may get on Sunday to bowl them out.

16:08

Eng 158-3 (Bell 53, Root 39)

AFPCopyright: AFP

Right then, let's be having you. It's the weekend, the sun is out. The smell of lager and barbecues is wafting through the office window as we enter the last hour of the working week. Excited? I bet you are. Mitchell Johnson - still wicketless in this match - after tea, gifting Joe Root four off his hips. How far might England be ahead by the close? Three an over would be the best part of 400.

Posted at 15:06 10 Jul 201515:06 10 Jul 2015

Post update

"I'm not sure what's wrong with Starc because his feet placement when he lands are all very good - there are no real stresses that are not normal to fast bowling. I'm catching up with the Australian physio this evening so I will hopefully know more."

Posted at 15:06 10 Jul 201515:06 10 Jul 2015

Post update

"Look at Starc follow through, this man is in pain. He's not leaving anyone guessing - he's got a problem."

16:04

Eng 153-3 (lead by 275)

I've heard a rumour that there's rather a big tennis match about to start at Wimbledon. I'd stick a decent wager on the fact the only place you can follow this match and the progress of Andy Murray at the same time is right here on the BBC Sport website. Imagine a British sporting weekend where England go 1-0 up in the Ashes, Murray wins Wimbledon and Chris Froome leads the Tour de France. Mitchell Starc is in turmoil, in obvious pain after every delivery. Will his tour consist of only one Test?

16:01

Post update

Former England spinner Robert Croft, now part of the Glamorgan coaching staff, on Welsh players: "One lad we had high hopes for James Harris, who went to Middlesex and had a couple of quiet years but seems to have found his feet now. We have a little bit of a gap with young Welsh players at Glamorgan now but we have a number of players from overseas so when we find our gems we hope the overseas stars will influence them."

16:00

Eng 149-3 (lead by 271)

The players are back out, Joe Root scratching at his guard. Mitchell Starc has the ball. There are 37 overs left in the day.

15:59

Post update

Thanks, Marc. Mr Higginson, lucky enough to have two sons, has just told me that Postman Pat now operates with a postal helicopter. Really? Can you land a helicopter in Greendale? One of my favourite my favourite books as a kid was 'Postman Pat plays for Greendale'. Tried his hand at cricket, did Pat. Off-breaks, I think. Bowled a doosra.

How's stat?!

More from Robert Croft: "People said about two spinners but I wouldn't have done. We had a survey done here and there are 11% more lbw and bowleds than any other ground in country cricket for seamers. Even though it does spin, the seam bowlers are very difficult to play."

Posted at 14:57 10 Jul 201514:57 10 Jul 2015

Post update

Sam Sheringham

BBC Sport at Cardiff

"Go on then, who honestly predicted the first Test would pan out like this? There's certainly a mood of joyous disbelief among the England fans and followers in the Swalec. Meanwhile, the Australians are resorting to gallows humour. 'And now Australia are bowling Ian Bell into form,' quips seasoned cricket writer Peter Lalor as the England batsman brings up a classy fifty."

Posted at 14:49 10 Jul 201514:49 10 Jul 2015

Croft in the box

Former England spinner Robert Croft, who played 23 seasons at Cardiff: "The atmosphere is very friendly, we want everyone to have a good experience and we're seeing some tough cricket in the middle. I'm not aware of any directions to our groundstaff about producing a pitch.

"It's a little different to the norm in terms of pace and carry but what it does do is highlight a player's weaknesses and it's a big test of your concentration as a bowler or a batsman. This ground doesn't give up wins very easily but it does give defeats very easily."

15:47

Tennis reminder

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Let me take this opportunity to remind you about the titanic tennis showdown which is upon us at Wimbledon: Andy Murray v Roger Federer, with a place in the final at stake. Whether you're stuck at work or getting off early, or neither, you can watch all the action via your phone or tablet here.

Posted at 14:44 10 Jul 201514:44 10 Jul 2015

Post update

"Excellent session for England, a scoring rate of 4.74, they really are playing with intent. There was a tricky period when Ballance was out but Bell came out with energy and a game to take on Australia and Joe Root is going to play in the same fashion. England are miles ahead in this Test match."

Post update

"It's been a while in coming for Ian Bell but he's played so well, so much control on the front foot. Whenever he gets runs he is a pleasure to watch. I just think it's a confidence thing. Whenever he has his confidence he is as good as any and I just don't see why he loses it."

15:38

sport-50

50 for Bell off 75 balls

Eng 149-3

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

There it is... Ian Bell interrupts Jos Buttler's tea - the wicketkeeper still chewing on the balcony as he salutes Ian Bell's 43rd Test half-century which is brought up with a boundary.

Post update

"The way Starc is moving there has to be a question mark whether we will see him again in this series."

15:35

Eng 145-3 (Starc 6-3-25-1)

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Mitchell Starc is still touching 90mph despite having a sore ankle. Joe Root is patient and waits for one on his pads which he whips for four through square. Elegant.

Posted at 14:35 10 Jul 201514:35 10 Jul 2015

comments

Email tms@bbc.co.uk

Richie in France: Every workplace has fed-up people, but has anyone ever looked more like they despise every single minute of their job more than Shane Watson when he plays cricket? Every time he goes for a run I expect him to just grab his cap and walk off the field, chuntering "what's the blinking point?"

15:30

Eng 141-3 (Bell 49, Root 27)

The crowd are really lapping this up - Ian Bell plays a sumptuous cover drive to the boundary which teases the diving Nathan Lyon on its way. No stopping those.

Posted at 14:31 10 Jul 201514:31 10 Jul 2015

comments

Email tms@bbc.co.uk

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Rahul Singh: The wheels are coming off this Aussie team. They came in with a great reputation, it just seems that it's just starting to fall apart for them just like England Down Under in 2013-14.

15:28

Eng 137-3 (lead by 259)

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Josh Hazlewood to Ian Bell. Four. The runs are piling up.

Posted at 14:33 10 Jul 201514:33 10 Jul 2015

comments

Text 81111

Matt from Oxford: Aussies are a never-say-die side and despite this brilliant performance by England methinks we might need every single run. It's easy to forget they have the likes of Smith and co, who could easily score big despite the current situation. Can't wait for the chase but hoping it's not until at least lunchtime tomorrow!

15:27

Eng 133-3 (Bell 41, Root 27)

Who grades bowlers? Shane Watson is classed as fast-medium but he's more medium-fast these days as he sends one down at 75mph which bounces twice on its way through to the keeper. I'm going to start a campaign to have him regraded.

Brad Haddin moves to stand behind the wicket midway through the over and leaves his slips in their normal position. Joe Root nudges two to spoil any thoughts of a maiden over.

Posted at 14:26 10 Jul 201514:26 10 Jul 2015

comments

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Ian Long: Sunday forecast not looking promising. Declare at lunchtime tomorrow to ensure we don't run out of time. Coincidentally I have tickets for tomorrow.

Colin Muir: Need to be wary of the forecast for Sunday, overs will be lost, so must give ourselves time to take the wickets.

15:22

Eng 131-3 (run-rate 4.05)

For those wondering who Mitchell Marsh is... he's basically the Australian Ben Stokes. He hits a long ball and bowls seam at a decent lick.

The television cameras are currently seeking out Merv Hughes in the Australian-populated stands. Best check at the bar, lads. He's getting them in. Two from Josh Hazlewood's latest over.

Posted at 14:18 10 Jul 201514:18 10 Jul 2015

Post update

"Word is the reason Watson was chosen ahead of Mitchell Marsh was because of his bowling and the fact he can get more control. Well he didn't bowl that many overs in the first innings so he is going to have to bowl well here to justify his selection."

Posted at 14:20 10 Jul 201514:20 10 Jul 2015

How's stat?!

"The fifty partnership and the 10th of the match. The most in a match is 17."

15:17

Eng 129-3 (lead by 251)

Shane Watson looks like he hates bowling. You'd never see him doing star jumps in his captain's eyeline in a bid to turn his arm over. He rolls his eyes when Joe Root thick-edges to the boundary and then flashes another four over the slip cordon. The 50 partnership is now up, in 62 balls.

Posted at 14:18 10 Jul 201514:18 10 Jul 2015

comments

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Naveed Afzal: Holy sugar just seen the Ashes score and England are DOMINATING. Damn you bloody traffic, need to get home.

Rob Meech: Been so impressed with how England have played in this First Test. An attacking mindset with bat and ball has served them well.

15:14

Eng 121-3 (lead by 243)

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

The runs continue to rack up - three for Root and four byes via Ian Bell. Ten in the over. Time for some Shane Watson.

Posted at 14:14 10 Jul 201514:14 10 Jul 2015

comments

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Matthew Green: Just loving this attacking intent from England. Weather permitting they'll be no draws in this series.

Tony: This lunch to tea session is an early contender for most anxiety of the Ashes. Six runs an over, wickets falling like flies. Eep

Posted at 14:12 10 Jul 201514:12 10 Jul 2015

comments

Text 81111

Dan, Leeds: With the team and captain showing far more positivity, it would be interesting for England to get far enough ahead to see when Cook would declare, having previously been noted for conservative declarations... We can but hope!

Barry Chandler: There's no rush, let's get a lead of 450+ and give ourselves 1 1/2 days to bowl them out. simples.

15:09

Eng 112-3 (Bell 37, Root 13)

If you were marooned on a desert island, it's hard to believe you would get bored of watching a DVD of Ian Bell's best cover drives. Providing you had a TV set and electricity of course.

He only gets three with his latest push - straight out of the screws - but that's alright because Joe Root hits four next up. Josh Hazlewood is frustrated and his line and length begins to err.

Post update

"Once you start playing catch-up cricket it's like having to come from two goals down in football. There's not going to be a collapse, Australia are in big, big trouble."

15:04

Eng 102-3 (lead by 224)

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Michael Clarke, standing in the slips, is the only Australian wearing a jumper - it's to protect his troublesome back from the breeze. I'm no body language expert, but as he stands beneath a floppy sun hat and turns up his collars I would suggest he's subconsciously retreating? England in control, but they could still let this slip. Nathan Lyon is finding his groove and he squares up Ian Bell with a fizzing spinner.

Posted at 14:04 10 Jul 201514:04 10 Jul 2015

Post update

"This has been a very good cricket pitch. The first couple of balls were wide and went through low and people were criticising it, but look at the amount of runs and wickets there have been. This will be a result pitch. I don't think the draw will come into the equation, and England will be favourites."

Post update

"Bell's had two overs from the off spinner round the wicket and hasn't scored. If anything he should sashay down a little and drive just wide of mid-off or mid-on for a single."

14:59

Eng 101-3

Joe Root greets Josh Hazlewood's return to the bowling attack by guiding four through the backward point region. Rooooooooooot echoes round the stadium. Wales' new favourite sporting son? For the next couple of days at least.

14:57

Eng 97-3 (Bell 33, Root 4)

Nathan Lyon is going round the wicket to the right-handers, trying to run the ball across the bat and bring the slips into play - like he did in the 2013 series back in this country. England's earlier counter-attack has bought them the time to consolidate now and sit in. Surely another 120 from here is enough?

Posted at 13:57 10 Jul 201513:57 10 Jul 2015

comments

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Paul Divito: Are England far enough ahead to let Stokes and or Butler really try and move game forward? Amazing to even contemplate.

Jacob Jackson: If we can get a lead north of 320, it will take something special from those pesky Australians.

Glenn, Cambridge: All those criticising the groundsman before a ball was bowled on day one, I suggest you go find him and buy him an apologetic pint... and keep your fingers crossed there is still life in it for the England pace attack to make use of tomorrow!

14:55

Eng 97-3 (Root 4 off 12)

Resolute defence from Joe Root, who is playing around the more fluent Ian Bell. England's main man (Root) has every gear in the book, and he has the ability to pick which one to use. Canny.

Post update

"England will want a lead of 450 to 500. With the time left, that allows you to take the option of losing out of the game. They will want that but I don't think they're going to get it on this pitch."

14:52

Eng 97-3

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Mitchell Johnson wears the expression of a man who can't remember where he parked his car as memories of his destruction a couple of winters ago quickly dissipate. A huff, a puff from Johnson and the Aussie house is quickly falling down.

14:50

Eng 96-3 (Lyon 5-2-17-1)

Nathan Lyon whistles through a set of six, being milked for a solitary single by Ian Bell.

Posted at 13:50 10 Jul 201513:50 10 Jul 2015

Post update

"We're only halfway through this match but I can't see how Australia can save it unless it rains. England are so much in control and I don't think Australia know how to play on it. That's not saying they're a poor side but on this surface they look a lot more ordinary. I don't think their batting is special."

14:47

Eng 95-3

Joe Root is beaten by the pace and almost gloves a bouncer from MJ behind.

14:47

Eng 95-3 (Bell 31, Root 4)

Joe Root looks disappointed in himself as he chases a wide one from Mitchell Johnson. He composes himself quickly though and flicks four off his pads and through the leg side. Staring back intently at the bowler he takes guard for the next delivery. He might laugh at his skipper copping one in the googlies in the field, but there's a real steel about him with bat in hand.

Eng 91-3 (Bell 31 off 34)

If you wrote a book of cricket cliches, there would have to be a section on how the pitch is always written off as being bad on the first day of the match. Oh and 'the first hour tomorrow will be crucial'.

Anyway... Ian Bell continues to take the attack to Nathan Lyon and hits a couple of boundaries in succession. Motoring.

Posted at 13:40 10 Jul 201513:40 10 Jul 2015

comments

Text 81111

Richard, London: Just as you talk about Lyth and Fish & Chips Michael Clarke gets the catch of the day!

14:35

Eng 83-3

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

In the last 10 overs, England have scored their runs at almost six an over. No danger of them going into their shells here - and the firecrackers which inhabit their middle to lower order haven't batted yet.

Post update

"Bell can go into his shell a little bit if things are not going his way but that four was a majestic shot."

14:35

Food for thought

BBCCopyright: BBC

14:34

Eng 82-3 (lead by 204)

This match could be heading towards a superb conclusion. The pitch is doing all sorts now - spin for Nathan Lyon, daisy-cutters from the seamers and now Mitchell Johnson bowls a bumper which sails over everyone's heads and to the boundary for five wides. Ian Bell would need step ladders to reach that. The little fella then rubs salt into the wounds with a flashing drive to the extra cover boundary. Intent.

Posted at 13:34 10 Jul 201513:34 10 Jul 2015

comments

Text 81111

Nick: Re Marc Arnot at 14.05: England top four is a "collective liability". Cook - two fifties and a hundred v NZ: Lyth - third test, hundred in only his 2nd: Ballance - out of form but gritty 50 in first inns and avge of over 50 in first 13 tests: Bell - over 7,000 test runs at nearly 44. Think before you tweet, Sir.

14:31

Eng 73-3

Don't fret, folks. Joe Root is the new man to the crease.

Posted at 13:31 10 Jul 201513:31 10 Jul 2015

comments

Text 81111

Jufferjim, Sheffield: Lyth a bat out of Bell I'll be gone when the Moeen comes.

Post update

"It's not great batting from Adam Lyth, it was wide and he didn't have any need to play at this ball. It hit his glove that's why it came off so slowly and Clarke took a good low catch."

14:28

wicket

WICKET

Lyth c Clarke b Lyon 37 (Eng 73-3)

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Adam Lyth is no longer. In this innings anyway. It takes a Superman-like catch from first slipper Michael Clarke who, bad back and all, flings his creaking limbs to his left and just about gets his fingers to a catch - much to the delight of his bowler Nathan Lyon.

14:26

Eng 73-2 (Lyth 37, Bell 18)

Adam Lyth - from Whitby - looks like somebody who would know where to buy good fish and chips from. You'd buy a second-hand car from him too. Got one of those trusting faces.

He's coping quite well with Mitchell Johnson here - getting outside the line of a 91mph delivery which thunders into his pads and then getting a single which takes him to the sanctuary of the non-striker's end. Good move.

14:23

Eng 72-2

There's no doubt England are being positive here - Ian Bell taking on the short ball and hammering it for a single which brings up the 50 partnership in just 49 balls.